Coffin or shroud?
The right choice
When thinking about a funeral, you will be faced with many choices. One of the most important questions is what the person will look like that day. The most well-known option is that the body will be placed in a coffin, but that doesn't mean that this is the only option. It is also possible to shroud the body in soft fabric, and place it on a carrier. This not only makes a world of difference in experience, it can also be more affordable. We are happy to tell you everything about both options so that you can make the right choice: coffin or shroud.
A coffin
There are many options when it comes to using a coffin: colour, type of wood, shape, you name it. Not only that, but the price of the coffin can also vary enormously, and can even go up to €4,000. For example, you can opt for a simple, unprocessed coffin or a specially designed one with a personal inlay. All coffins have one thing in common: they look stately. During the farewell, the body is completely hidden by the solid wood, which feels very distant to some people. We also often hear that people find the idea of being placed in a closed coffin confining, or even scary. For those people, there is another option, as the title 'coffin or shroud' already suggested: using a shroud and a carrier (or stretcher). An organic shroud and stretcher are available starting at €490 with our Bamboo set or €554 with our Basic set. A nice benefit of the basic set is that it can be painted by relatives, to make it really personal. It's also possible to add embroideries to the shroud, and notes or flowers can be placed between the folds.
A shroud
The shroud is an alternative that has been around for years, and all that time people's experiences with them have been very rewarding. For some, however, it is still an unfamiliar idea. A body can be shrouded by the relatives themselves. We often hear that this is a very precious ritual to perform. It is also possible to close the shroud a little further each day in the days leading up to the ceremony. This way, relatives can prepare both themselves and the deceased for the last moment, step by step. During the ceremony, the body, wrapped in the shroud, is placed on a carrier. This looks different than with a coffin, since the body is less hidden away. With our Hemp shroud and Willow shell, for example, it looks like this:,
Our shrouds
Our shrouds are made of organic or sustainable materials. This makes the shrouds a perfect fit for a Green Funeral, a farewell at a natural burial ground, or a ceremony in a crematorium. We are happy to tell you more about the production processes of our shrouds. For example, you can read all about the hemp production and the production of silk.
Shroud pricing
As with wood, the cost of fabrics varies considerably. For example, consider the difference between simple cotton and a cloth made of Thai silk. This difference is due to some materials having a much more intensive production process than others. As a result, the cost of a shroud largely depends on the material used. Our most accessible shroud, the Soft shroud made of soft organic flannel, is available for only €289.00. While our shroud made of raw Matka silk costs €824. A shroud can also be ordered as part of our funeral sets, containing both a shroud and a carrier. Are sets are available starting at €490.
Carriers, or stretchers
To meet everyone's needs, we offer carriers of various prices, ranging from €349 to €775. The main reasons for the difference in price are the material and the processing. For example, the bamboo of our Bamboo carrier is a very fast-growing material compared to the willow branches of our Willow carrier. In addition, special actions, such as bending wood for our Curved carrier and carefully weaving our Willow shell, are quite labor-intensive. Ultimately, we find it most important that both the more affordable and the more expensive carriers are of good quality.
Looking back with a good feeling
What would we recommend, a coffin or a shroud? Ultimately, the choice between the two is up to you, the survivors and the memory of the deceased. In our eyes, a funeral is about everyone being able to look back on life with a good feeling. For this, it is important that the funeral is organized in a way that suits this person. A way that gives everyone space to express their feelings. A way that offers comfort. If we can help you with that, that is a great honour for us.
Need advice?
We hope to have answered all your questions regarding the costs of using a carrier and a shroud. If you would like advice on making the right choice, or on the use of a carrier and shroud, you can always reach us via info@wikkelgoed.nl or 020 – 845 73 43.
